Iran left me absolutely stunned. The moment I walked into Isfahan’s Naqsh e Jahan Square at sunset, watching the light play off those iconic blue tiles, I knew this trip would change me forever. It’s wild how a place can be so grand yet feel so intimate—from the rose gardens of Shiraz to the towering domes of the Shah Mosque, every corner tells a story that pulls you in.
The most beautiful places in Iran showcase why this country captivates everyone who visits. Standing under the pink ceiling of Nasir al Mulk Mosque while morning light streams through stained glass windows or wandering through Tehran’s bustling Grand Bazaar, you feel the magic that’s kept travelers spellbound for centuries. Here are 12 incredible spots that showed me why Iran deserves a spot at the top of your travel list.
Stunning Places to Visit in Iran
Looking to explore Iran’s most beautiful places? From the stunning architecture of Isfahan to the lush landscapes of the Alborz Mountains, Iran is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic streets of Shiraz, marvel at the ancient ruins of Persepolis, or explore the cultural richness of Tehran. Discover the charming allure of Yazd, the tranquil beauty of the Caspian Sea, or the breathtaking views from Mount Damavand. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or nature, here are 12 of Iran’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Tehran
Tehran is way more fascinating than most people expect. Yeah, it’s got that big-city chaos with insane traffic, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. I spent hours getting lost in the Grand Bazaar – it’s this massive maze with over 10 kilometers of corridors where you can haggle for everything from saffron to handwoven carpets. The vendors are super friendly once you start chatting.
The Golestan Palace is absolutely stunning with its mirrored halls that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous. Entry costs around 500,000 IRR per section, but it’s worth every rial. What really surprised me was the National Jewelry Treasury – it reopened in June 2025 and houses some of the world’s most incredible gems, including the famous Sea of Light diamond. It’s only open Saturday to Tuesday from 12-2pm, and you’ll pay 300,000 IRR to get in.
For killer city views, take the cable car up to Tochal Peak – it’s terrifying but amazing. The Milad Tower has a rotating restaurant that’s pretty cool for dinner with a view. Don’t skip the northern neighborhoods either; they’re way more chill with great cafes where locals hang out. Spring and fall are perfect for visiting when the Alborz Mountains look incredible.
2. Shiraz
Shiraz is pure poetry in city form – literally. This place has been inspiring writers for centuries, and you’ll get why after five minutes walking around. The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) is absolutely magical, but here’s the thing – you need to get there early. I’m talking 8am early. After 10am it’s packed with tour groups and the light isn’t nearly as stunning.
The mosque is open daily 7am-5pm and costs about 200,000 IRR. The morning light streaming through those stained glass windows creates this incredible kaleidoscope effect on the carpets that’s honestly better than any filter. I spent way too much time just sitting there watching the colors change.
Hafez’s tomb is where locals still come to recite poetry – it’s actually really moving to witness. The Eram Garden is perfect for escaping the afternoon heat, and the Vakil Bazaar has some of the best handmade carpets in Iran. Don’t leave without trying Faloodeh, this weird but delicious frozen dessert that’s totally unique to Shiraz.
The city’s super walkable and the people are incredibly welcoming. I had random strangers invite me for tea multiple times. Spring (March-May) is ideal when everything’s blooming and the weather’s perfect.
3. Badab-e Surt
Badab-e Surt is like nothing I’ve ever seen – these terraced hot springs look like someone painted the mountainside with rust, orange, and gold. It’s in Mazandaran Province, about 95km south of Sari, and yeah, it’s a bit of a trek to get there, but totally worth the effort.
The mineral deposits create these crazy step-like formations that photographers absolutely love. I went at sunset and honestly couldn’t believe my eyes when the light hit those colorful pools. The colors are most vibrant during spring and summer months when the mineral content is highest. You’ll want to bring your camera because every angle is Instagram gold.
The surrounding area is pretty remote, so pack water and snacks. There aren’t many facilities up there, which actually makes it feel more special. The Salar Dareh Hotel in Sari is your best bet for accommodation – it’s a solid 4-star place with forest views and decent traditional food.
The site gets busy during Iranian holidays, so try to visit on weekdays if possible. Early morning light is amazing too, not just sunset. I met some locals who told me the best viewpoints aren’t where the crowds go – ask around when you get there. The drive through the Mazandaran countryside is beautiful, especially if you’re into mountain scenery.
4. Lake Urmia
Lake Urmia is making a serious comeback after years of environmental issues. This massive salt lake turns the most incredible shade of pink during summer months (July-August) when the algae blooms. I couldn’t believe I was actually floating in what looked like a giant strawberry milkshake.
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The salt content is so high you literally can’t sink – it’s wild. The surrounding salt flats crunch under your feet and stretch for miles. I saw thousands of flamingos during migration season, which was absolutely spectacular. The Ana Hotel in Urmia is your best accommodation option – it’s modern and comfortable with a pool and sauna.
What’s really cool is watching the conservation efforts in action. The lake was seriously threatened by drought, but recent restoration projects are bringing it back to life. Local mud is supposed to have therapeutic properties, so I did the whole mud mask thing. Can’t say if it worked, but it was fun.
The area between East and West Azerbaijan provinces has some beautiful hot springs nearby too. Winter can be pretty harsh here, so definitely stick to warmer months. The locals are super proud of their lake’s recovery and love talking about it. It’s become a symbol of environmental hope in Iran, which makes visiting feel even more meaningful.
5. Persepolis
Persepolis will blow your mind – this is where the ancient Persian Empire showed off their power 2,500 years ago. Standing in front of those massive stone columns, I felt like I was in a movie. Alexander the Great literally walked through the same Gate of All Nations that you’ll enter through.
It’s about 70km from Shiraz and costs 500,000 IRR to get in (museum is extra 200,000 IRR). Open daily 8am-5:30pm except major Iranian holidays. Trust me, go early morning or late afternoon – the desert heat in summer is brutal. Spring and fall are perfect timing.
The scale is just incredible. Those stone reliefs showing tribute-bearers from across the ancient world are so detailed you can make out individual faces. The Apadana Palace ruins still give you chills thinking about the ceremonies that happened there. I spent hours just wandering around imagining what this place looked like at its peak.
Definitely combine it with Naqsh-e Rostam – the cliff tombs are only 10 minutes away and show where the Persian kings were actually buried. Most day trips from Shiraz include both sites for around €30. Get a guide if possible; there’s so much history that you’ll miss otherwise. The Shiraz Grand Hotel makes a good base with easy access for day trips.
6. Kashan
Kashan is like stepping into a Persian fairy tale with these incredible historical homes that rich merchants built centuries ago. The Tabatabaei House and Borujerdi House showcase the most amazing traditional architecture – intricate stucco work, gorgeous courtyards, and these ingenious wind-catching systems that actually kept houses cool in the desert.
I stayed at Manouchehri House, which is this beautifully restored 19th-century mansion right in the old city. Waking up in a traditional Persian courtyard was honestly magical. The Fin Garden is a UNESCO site with perfect symmetry and ancient cypress trees that photographers love.
The best time to visit is April-May during rose harvest season when the whole city smells incredible. Kashan produces the famous damask roses used for rosewater, and you can actually visit workshops to see how they make it. The traditional bazaar has this stunning domed ceiling and artisans still working with ancient techniques.
Don’t miss the old bathhouse museums – they show you this whole important part of Persian culture that most people don’t know about. The Agha Bozorg Mosque is also beautiful with its sunken courtyard design. Kashan is only 250km from Tehran, making it a perfect day trip or stopover. The locals are super proud of their city’s craftsmanship traditions and love sharing stories about the old merchant families.
7. The Caspian Sea Coast
The Caspian Sea Coast is Iran’s best-kept secret – I had no idea this lush, green paradise existed until I got there. It’s like a completely different country compared to the desert cities. The Mazandaran and Gilan provinces stretch along this huge inland sea with thick forests running right down to sandy beaches.
I went for a swim in the Caspian Sea and then had the most incredible fresh fish lunch at a seaside restaurant. The Anzali Lagoon is perfect for birdwatching – I saw species I’d never heard of before. The whole region has this humid, almost tropical feel that’s totally unexpected.
Rasht has amazing local cuisine featuring fresh herbs and seafood that’s completely different from the rest of Iran. The Ramsar Parsian Hotel has sea-facing rooms and natural hot springs nearby. The markets are full of olives, silk products, and tea from the hillside plantations.
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) are ideal – the weather’s perfect and you’ll avoid the summer crowds. I loved just driving through the mountain villages where they still produce silk and tea the traditional way. The contrast between the Alborz Mountains and the sea creates these incredible views. It honestly felt like a hidden paradise that breaks every stereotype about Iran.
8. Abyaneh
Abyaneh is this incredible red-mud village that hasn’t changed in like 2,500 years. Seriously, walking through those narrow stepped streets feels like time travel. The whole place is built into the mountainside with these distinctive ochre-colored houses that look amazing against the green Mount Karkas backdrop.
The elderly locals still wear traditional dress – women in colorful floral scarves and men in those wide black pants. I spent hours just chatting with them (through gestures mostly) and learning about their customs. The wooden balconies have these beautiful Farsi inscriptions telling stories of past generations.
The 11th-century Jame Mosque and old Zoroastrian fire temples are scattered throughout the compact village. For the best photos, definitely hike up to the Palahamoona Fortress ruins – the view of red buildings against green mountains is spectacular. The craft shops sell handwoven textiles that make perfect souvenirs.
April-May is perfect timing when the gardens are blooming and weather’s mild. The Ghasr Hotel makes a decent base, though honestly, the village itself is so small you can see everything in half a day. It’s about 2.5 hours from Isfahan, so most people do it as a day trip. The drive through the countryside is beautiful too. Abyaneh feels like discovering a secret that’s been hidden for millennia.
9. Stars Valley
Stars Valley on Qeshm Island is literally like being on Mars. These bizarre rock formations were supposedly created by fallen stars – at least that’s what the locals say. During the day, you can wander through this maze of towering sandstone pillars and hollowed-out chambers that erosion carved over centuries.
But the real magic happens after dark. The lack of light pollution means the Milky Way appears so clearly it’s almost overwhelming. I’ve never seen stars like this anywhere else on earth. The rock silhouettes against the star-filled sky create the most incredible natural planetarium.
The Zagros Hotel provides decent accommodation and access to explore the area. You’ll also want to check out Namakdan – the world’s largest salt cave – and the coastal mangrove forests nearby. Haft Rangoo beach with its seven-colored sand is pretty cool too.
November to March is ideal for visiting when temperatures are manageable and night skies are clearest. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the formations, then stay for the evening astronomy show. The surrounding Qeshm Island has lots of other geological wonders too, so it’s worth spending a few days exploring. Getting there involves flying to Qeshm or taking a ferry from Bandar Abbas. It’s definitely worth the journey for this otherworldly experience.
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10. Hengam Island
Hengam Island is this tiny paradise in the Persian Gulf that most people have never heard of. The resident dolphin pod hangs out in the strait between Hengam and Qeshm islands, and they’re super playful – I watched them jumping around for ages. The beaches have this powdery golden sand and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming.
At low tide, the coastal rocks turn into these amazing miniature ecosystems full of little creatures scurrying around. Silver Beach on the south coast is where sand mixed with minerals literally glitters in the sunlight – it’s pretty magical. The snorkeling around the coral reefs is fantastic too.
The traditional fishing villages are where you really get a feel for local life. Generations of families have been using the same fishing techniques, and they’re incredibly welcoming to visitors. I bought some unique handicrafts that the locals make from shells and driftwood.
October to April is perfect timing for dolphin sightings and comfortable temperatures. The Irman Boutique Hotel offers traditional Persian-style accommodation, though options are limited since it’s such a small island. Most people do day trips from Qeshm Island, but staying overnight means you get the beaches basically to yourself in the early morning. The sunset views across the Persian Gulf are absolutely incredible. It’s definitely off the beaten path but worth the extra effort to get there.
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11. Alamut Valley
Gamers and history buffs, this one’s for you. Alamut Valley is home to the actual fortress that inspired Assassin’s Creed – I’m not even kidding. The Alamut Castle ruins sit on this narrow ridge at 6,800 feet, where Hassan-i Sabbah’s secret order once controlled the region through a network of mountain strongholds.
The climb up to the ruins is pretty steep but the panoramic views are incredible. You can see for miles across these dramatic mountain landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy movie. The Seven Hostel in Zarabad Village offers basic accommodation and helps arrange hiking trips.
Beyond the castle, the valley has some amazing trekking routes connecting traditional villages where life hasn’t changed much in centuries. Ovan Lake perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks when it’s calm, and Andej Valley has some of the best hiking in the region.
May to October is ideal when mountain roads are accessible and weather’s comfortable. The drive from Tehran takes about 3 hours through increasingly dramatic scenery. I met locals who still tell stories about the mysterious Assassins and their mountain fortresses. The whole valley feels like stepping into a legend.
Definitely bring good hiking boots and layers – mountain weather changes fast. The combination of incredible history and stunning natural beauty makes Alamut Valley one of Iran’s most unique destinations.
12. Kaluts Desert
The Kaluts Desert in Kerman Province is where you go when regular deserts aren’t dramatic enough. These massive wind-sculpted formations stretch across 7,500 square miles, creating the most surreal landscape on Earth. They literally look like natural sand castles that giants built.
The formations change colors throughout the day – golden at sunrise, deep orange at sunset. Every photographer’s dream comes true here among these geometric ridges and epic shadows. I’ve never seen stars shine brighter than against this dark desert sky either.
You absolutely need to do an overnight tour from Kerman to safely explore deeper into the desert. Traditional camps near Shahdad town let you sleep under those incredible star-filled skies. The Akhavān Hotel in Kerman makes a good base for arranging desert excursions.
October to March is essential timing – summer temperatures can exceed 150°F, which is literally dangerous. The nearby Shazdeh Garden provides this jarring contrast of lush greenery against harsh desert that really shows human ingenuity.
I arranged my tour through Kerman Travel and they handled all the logistics perfectly. You’ll want plenty of water and serious sun protection. The Kaluts sit in Dasht-e Lut, one of the hottest places on Earth, so don’t mess around with the weather. This remarkable landscape near the historic town of Shahdad makes you feel incredibly small against nature’s raw power.
